Zietta Janse van Rensburg (40) has been remanded in custody, while her co-accused, her former father-in-law, Johan Janse van Rensburg (73), was granted R10 000 bail.

The two lawyers appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court in a hearing convened on short notice this afternoon, after being arrested by the Mpumalanga-based Hawks in Malalane earlier today, reports Lowvelder. They face charges of fraud, theft and money laundering.

While Johan was given the opportunity to apply for bail immediately, Zietta was not, and her case was postponed to Tuesday, April 14.

Magistrate Patrick Morris ordered that both accused appear in court tomorrow, regardless of whether Johan had paid bail, as it was already too late in the afternoon for the payment to be processed at the court.

Johan was also instructed to hand over his passports to the investigating officer, Richard Mandla Mphepheta, by Tuesday.

In his bail application, Johan stated that his age and multiple health conditions, including asthma, should be considered.

Mphepheta did not oppose bail, confirming that Johan’s address and business premises had been verified and that he was not considered a flight risk.

Mphepheta told the court that Johan was implicated after R14m was paid into his Standard Bank trust account by a businessman identified only as Patel. The payment was for the purchase of business premises that were never transferred, resulting in a financial loss.

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